In Loving Memory of Helen Atomian Azadkhanian

Sept. 25, 1943 – June 1, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Helen Atomian Azadkhanian, who entered eternal rest on Sunday, June 1, at the age of 81.

Helen was born on Sept. 25, 1943, and immigrated to San Francisco as a young adult with her parents and sister. A devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and pillar of the Armenian community, Helen lived a life marked by strength, compassion and unwavering dedication to those she loved.

In addition to her beloved family, her resilience and hard work defined her. Helen was the beloved wife of the late Azad “Alvin” Azadkhanian, and together they owned and operated Alvin’s Scrumptious Coffee on Irving Street in San Francisco’s Sunset District from 1976 to 2011. For decades, their presence enriched the neighborhood and created a welcoming space for all who walked through their doors with their famous coffee, tea and homemade food. Even after they closed their doors on Irving, for years Helen would hand deliver their coffee straight to the doors of her beloved customers, until she moved to Southern California for her final years. 

In the little spare time that she had between work and raising four children, Helen devoted her time to her Armenian community. She volunteered her time for her church and many other organizations, most notably as a founder and executive of the Ararat Society of San Francisco. 

She now joins her beloved husband Azad, who passed in 2015, and their daughter Aida, in eternal rest.

Helen is survived by her children: 

• Daughter, Anahid and Shant Koumriqian, and their children Carine, Christopher, and Cayle

• Daughter, Armineh Azadkhanian

• Son, Hovik and Alin Azadkhanian, and their children Lori, Aram, and Areg

• Sister, Seda and Chuck Chavdarian and their children.

and many relatives and friends.

Burial services will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Cypress Lawn Cemetery, 1370 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014. A memorial luncheon will follow at KZV Armenian School, 825 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Gregory Armenian Church in San Francisco. 

Helen will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her enduring love, resilience and devotion to family and community. 

May she rest in peace.